DULUTH, Minn. — MnDOT officials say the Highway 1 detour south of Ely, originally scheduled to be lifted August 15, will continue until mid-October.

This is the second time the detour timeline has been extended due to the challenging terrain, equipment breakdowns and additional rock discovered in the project area, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

“The people who attended the meeting were very disappointed,” said Derek Fredrickson, MnDOT project engineer. “We know this project is causing people problems and we’ll continue to do everything we can to reopen Highway 1 as soon as possible.”

The Highway 1 project manager from KGM Contractors said there are about 30 pieces of heavy equipment on the project and their employees are working overtime.

Detour route
Highway 1 will be closed between Forest Road 424/New Tomahawk Road and just north of Forest Road 553. Motorists are required to follow the posted detour.